Achraf Hakimi’s Thigh Injury: PSG Blow, But Morocco Breathes Easier Ahead of World Cup

Achraf Hakimi will miss Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League semifinal second leg at Bayern Munich next week after suffering a right thigh injury but Morocco’s World Cup hopes remain intact, with the captain expected to recover in time for the June 13 opener vs Brazil. The injury occurred in the 88th minute of PSG’s wild 5-4 first-leg win over Bayern on Tuesday, April 28. Hakimi collapsed after contesting a ball with Konrad Laimer, clutching the back of his right thigh. With PSG out of substitutions, he limped through the final minutes and even assisted Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s goal before the whistle. PSG confirmed Wednesday: “Hakimi will be out of action for the next few weeks” after being diagnosed with a hamstring tear. He is “officially ruled out” of the May 6 return leg in Munich. Morocco debuts vs Brazil on June 13 in East Rutherford, NJ. Hakimi’s injury comes 38 days before that match, sparking immediate concern. Multiple reports say his World Cup place “is not in jeopardy” and he “will arrive at the World Cup without major issues”. RMC Sport notes he “is not expected to risk his participation in the 2026 World Cup”, and he could return if PSG reach the Champions League final on May 30.All indications suggest Hakimi will arrive at the World Cup without major issues, but with the concern of losing rhythm”. He played through pain vs Bayern and had already been subbed at halftime vs Angers days earlier as a precaution. How Big a Loss for PSG? Luis Enrique called Hakimi “an incredible player… Having a player like him is like having three players”. The 27-year-old has started 28 of 31 PSG matches this season and finished 6th in the 2025 Ballon d’Or.Warren Zaïre-Emery is expected to fill in at right-back, with Lucas Beraldo potentially pushed into midfield. Enrique: “We’re calm because we have options”. How Big a Deal for Morocco? Hakimi is the Atlas Lions captain, 1st-choice right-back, and talisman. He led Morocco to a World Cup semi-final in 2022, bronze at the 2024 Olympics, and AFCON 2025 runners-up despite carrying an injury. Morocco opens Group C vs Brazil, then faces Scotland on June 19 and Haiti on June 24. Losing Hakimi would be “a huge blow” — but current timelines suggest he’ll be back. Hakimi is one of several stars racing the clock. Kylian Mbappé is out with a leg injury and Lamine Yamal with a hamstring tear — all within 6 weeks of the World Cup.PSG loses its most important defender for the Bayern decider. Morocco dodged a disaster. The hamstring tear will cost Hakimi “weeks”, not the World Cup. The real worry now is rust: can he regain sharpness after nearly 6 weeks without competitive minutes? As Luis Enrique said, he won’t reveal recovery timelines. Morocco fans will just be counting down to June 13.